PSA started the game playing into a stiff breeze and in the early exchanges it was evident that PSA were going have to play out of their skins to get a result against a very strong Boroughmuir side.

Play was all based in midfield both teams trying everything to break down the others defence, the PSA scrum was creaking, but just about holding. But on 10 minutes a missed tackle in midfield allowed the Boroughmuir centre to burst through and run 50 metres to touch down between the posts; they added the conversion.

This did spur the Hawick lads on and they upped their game, the forwards started to pick and drive putting Boroughmuir on the back foot and pounding the Edinburgh sides try line.

It was evident as to why Boroughmuir had only conceded 31 points in 11 games, they were very well organised in defence not committing too many defenders to the rucks.

After 15 minutes of constant pressure all PSA had to show for their endeavours was a Rory Anderson penalty.

Half-time PSA 3 – Boroughmuir 7.

From the restart PSA hoisted a high ball; great chasing by Phil MacTaggart resulted in Lewis Mallin galloping under the posts, Rory Anderson adding the conversion.

This really lifted the PSA and all 15 boys were playing well, for once they were using the elements pinning Boroughmuir back in their 22 with some intelligent kicking, the scrum was holding up well and in the lineout PSA were getting the upper hand.

From a lineout in the Boroughmuir half good quick ball was given to the backs, Greg Anderson timed his pass to perfection putting Graeme Lothian in for an excellent score.

Boroughmuir were still trying to attack at every opportunity, but they had to run from deep in their own half and the PSA defence was able to snuff out their attacks, and return the ball deep into the Boroughmuir territory.

Again the PSA forwards were pounding the Boroughmuir try line, after numerous attempts Rory Anderson squeezed over for another try, he also added the conversion.

The Boroughmuir heads were starting to drop; they had conceded defeat, when Graeme Lothian danced up the touch line drawing tacklers and slipping a pass to Phil MacTaggart for the final score of the day.

Final Score PSA 29 – Boroughmuir 7.

It was a happy PSA changing room after this display, with some great individual performances, Leon Farmer was outstanding at scrum half and Ruaraidh Pol was everywhere at wing forward, but ultimately it was a great team effort everyone contributed.

A fairly inexperienced PSA side took the field against a big Lasswade pack. But from the kick off the lighter PSA forwards tried to run them about the park. The tactic of quick ruck ball, picking and driving was making good ground and getting PSA deep into Lasswade territory. After 15 mins good ball was released to the PSA backs, but just as the move seemed to be going nowhere Graeme Lothian cut back inside with a great running angle to score under the posts, Rory Anderson added the conversion.

Lasswade were now wise to the PSA game plan and tried to slow any ball down, they were also dominating the lineout and giving the PSA front row trouble in the scrum. But on the half-hour another PSA breakout saw Phil Mactaggart squeeze over in the corner for a try, Rory Anderson slotted a great conversion from out wide.

Lasswade were defending well but were not causing any problems for the PSA defence, there was no more scoring before the interval.

Half time PSA 14 – Lasswade 0.

Straight from the kick off the PSA back row attacked deep into the Lasswade half and from the resultant scrum Chris Telfer was eventually driven over for another try, again Rory Anderson was having a good day with the boot and added the conversion.

PSA were now having to make changes due to injuries this was affecting the game it was now very scrappy, with Lasswade quite happy to kill the ball. Frustration was creeping in and Rory Anderson decided to calm things down and kick a penalty, rather than go for the try, he was again successful.

PSA were desperate to score another try, all the forwards were having a go at driving over the Lasswade try line and after numerous attempts Sean Muir came up with the ball, the conversion was missed.

Just on the stroke of full time Lasswade scored a consolation try.

Final Score Hawick PSA 29 – Lasswade 0

It was a good performance from a very young and inexperienced PSA side and bodes well for the future.

PSA started brightly and mounted several attacks into the Forrester 22, and after 4 minutes Scott Peffers danced his way over the try line for PSA's first try.

Forrester were taking time to settle and they were struggling to contain the PSA forwards, they were pouncing on any loose possession and allowing the three-quarters to spread the ball wide and attack down the wings. On one such occasion the ball was kicked through the PSA backs re-gathered the possession and Lewis Mallin squeezed in at the corner.

PSA 10 – Forrester 0.

The Edinburgh lads were starting to come into the game a bit more. They had hard running centres and forwards who scrapped for every ball, it was now their turn to put pressure on the PSA boys and they infringed at the ruck and the referee has no hesitation in awarding a penalty to Forester, and the kick was successful.

The PSA forwards seemed to go to sleep because the Forresters' pack were disrupting all PSA possession, the Hawick lads were driving in ones and twos, this was easy for Forrester to defend. But PSA did mount a good attack a break by Ruaraidh Pole who fed Ryan Beattie on the charge to crash over.

Half time PSA 15 – Forrester 3

Into the second half and the PSA forwards seemed to lack motivation, they were happy to concede possession at the ruck to the Forrester forwards, who were winning the ball by whatever means necessary! There were too many PSA forwards playing as individuals and support was slow to arrive allowing the Forrester boys to turn over possession, sometimes illegally.

PSA and Forrester exchanged penalty goals for offences at the ruck. PSA needed to clear out the ball at the ruck situation to create quick ball for the backs to attack from. Forrester seem content to slow down any PSA ball.

As in previous weeks frustrtion was creeping into the PSA play, but another score did come. From a tapped penalty near the try line Terry Skeet drove over for the final score of the game.

Hawick PSA 23 – Forrester U18 6

This was not the best display by PSA, but they stuck to their task and did not let a bigger pack bully them out of the game.

From the kick off PSA were on the attack excellent picking and driving took PSA deep into Gala territory. From the resultant lineout the ball was spread wide and Graeme Lothian playing his first game at centre chose a great running line to slice through the defence for the first try of the day, the conversion was missed.

It seemed that it would just be a matter of time before another PSA try came, but lack of composure and good Gala Wanderers defence was making this difficult. Time and time again the PSA forwards drove their way deep into the Gala half, but the final pass was spilled or they were tackled into touch, Gala's ability to clear their lines was starting to frustrate the Hawick boys.

It was Gala Wanderers' turn now to put some pressure on the PSA line but the defence held strong and they weathered the storm. Some of the decision making from the PSA boys was one reason for the lack of further points, they refused 2 kicks at goal which would have kept the scoreboard ticking over and relieved some of the pressure that they were putting themselves under!

Halftime Gala Wanderers 0 - Hawick PSA 5.

Second half was no different from the first, constant PSA pressure only for a pass to be spilled and Gala to clear 50m up field.The boys were playing some great rugby but it was one of those days where no matter how hard they tried the final pass did not come off or a chip kick bounced into touch rather than the hand.

Although clearly frustrated at the lack of scoring, the PSA lads kept up the intensity and finally with ten minutes of the match to go Rory Anderson went over in the corner for the PSA’s second try. Connor Nichol then made a 30m run he was bravely tackled by the Gala full back, but after a further 2 or 3 phases Connor finally went over for his try, the conversion was added.

Final Score Gala Wanderers 0 – Hawick PSA 17.

It was a good display by Hawick PSA, some great individual performances especially from the young boys in the pack and the re-jigged back line looked menacing at times.

There were one or two changes to the team selection due to player unavailability but it still looked a strong PSA team.

Right from the kick off PSA had the bit between the teeth and were on the attack they were on the score sheet after only two minutes when Jed infringed at a ruck; Greg Anderson slotted the penalty to put the Hawick lads in front.

But as often happens from the restart Jed were awarded a penalty PSA committing a similar offence, the kick went over to tie the scores.

Some slack play from PSA was soon punished when Jed broke up the wing to score a try and take the lead; hopefully this would act as a wake up call.

It was a bruising encounter the commitment of both sets of forwards was tremendous no quarter being given, but the PSA pack were getting the better of the exchanges and were starting to dominate in the loose.

The PSA back division were being brought into the game as their pack were able to create some quick possession and on 24 minutes the ball was spread along the three-quarter line and Graeme Lothian dived over for an excellent try. The conversion was missed.

The PSA pack continued to dominate in the loose and were creating chances but Jed are a strong team and they were able to thwart any PSA attacks.

Halftime score Jed Thistle 8 – Hawick PSA 8

From the restart the PSA pack continued to dominate the loose, as soon as Jed went to ground PSA were able to slow down and then turn over Jed ball, this pressure resulted in Jed giving away a penalty Greg Anderson added the three points.

The PSA pack continued to dominate and eight minutes into the second half Lyon Farmer made a break for the line, he appeared to be held up but was driven over by the pack, Greg Anderson converted Jed Thistle 8 – PSA 18.

Thistle realised that the game was slipping away from them and they tried to up the pace, their hard running backs started to see more ball, PSA were scrambling back in defence. From a defensive PSA lineout in their 22, Jed charged down the clearance kick and after a few phases of play PSA run out of defenders and Jed crossed over for a try, game on!

Jed were now on top and it was a massive effort to keep Jed from scoring again, but there was no more scoring.

Final score Jed Thistle 13 - Hawick PSA 18.

This was an excellent performance from Hawick PSA, although the platform for the victory was created by the pack with some ferocious driving play, the backs also saw plenty ball.

PSA started the 1st half playing into a howling gale, with the hope that they could contain Melrose and still be in touch at half time. This was going to be difficult, Melrose were on the attack from the kick off and after only two minutes a flowing Wasps move saw them cross for the first try.

The PSA forwards were battling hard, but Melrose were well organised and were snuffing out any PSA attack, forcing the backs to kick away possession. On one such PSA drive an attempted chip from the PSA backs was easily dealt with by Melrose, they cleared 40m up field and from the resultant lineout went over for the second Melrose try.

PSA were struggling to deal with the conditions, but the forwards were giving their all. The Melrose defensive line was well organised and was able to close down any space that the PSA backs could exploit.

Poor tackling from the Hawick boys led to the third Wasps try; this time it was converted. Just before halftime PSA were awarded a penalty, Greg Anderson slotted over the kick to give PSA their first points.

Halftime score Melrose Wasps 22 – Hawick PSA 3.

Now playing with the wind at their backs, could the Hawick boys stage a comeback? Unfortunately the wind calmed down taking away the advantage of the elements. But from the restart the PSA boys came out fired up and started to dominate the game, good chasing down of kicks was sending Melrose scurrying back in defence, but then disaster struck, again a lapse in defence allowed Melrose in for their fourth try. The Wasps then shut up shop.

PSA were giving their all in attack, but Melrose did not allow any space for the PSA backs to mount an attack. The game then became a little bad tempered and scrappy. No matter how hard PSA tried they never threatened the Wasps try line.

It was a very disappointing day for PSA, but a lot of credit has to go to a very good Melrose Wasps side. They were quick to snap up any opportunity and just as quick to snuff out a PSA attack.

As always it was cold and windy, from the kick off PSA were on the attack and just over a minute into the game a good handling move sent Steven Mabon in for a score, Greg Anderson converted.

It was all PSA; good driving play from the forwards was keeping the Berwick boys on the back foot. PSA were camped in the Berwick "22" and Steven Mabon soon dived over for his second try.

The conditions meant that handling errors were inevitable, long passes were being held up in the wind, cold hands meant dropped passes. On one such occasion, Berwick were on the attack in the PSA half, Lewis Mallin pounced on a dropped pass to fly hack through, he showed great skill to pick up and dive over for the third try.

The gale force wind was making the game very scrappy, and the best way to play the conditions was to keep the ball in the forwards. Berwick were giving their all in defending the PSA forward drives, they were managing to hold the attacks up. But Berwick were not able to stop every attack and Steven Mabon barged over for his third and PSA's fourth try.

PSA were now full of confidence and were trying to spread the ball wide, Lewis Mallin popped up at centre he then fed Greg Anderson who came on to the ball a pace to sprint over for another PSA try.

Leon Farmer was next on the scoresheet: he broke from a ruck and ducked and dodged his way past 5 or 6 Berwick tackles to score the 6th PSA try.

Halftime score Hawick PSA 40 - Berwick Colts 0

With the game won, it was time to give one or two of the younger boys a run out, Berwick were doing the same. The Berwick boys came out fired up, their younger boys looking to prove a point to the Berwick Coaches. It was now more of a contest and Berwick were getting the better of the forward exchanges. The PSA boys were trying too hard to score more points and were starting to play as individuals,they were getting isolated and turning over possession.

The game was now very scrappy and the error count huge. Berwick were not threatening the PSA try line but every time a PSA attack made it in to the Berwick 22, a pass would be dropped or PSA would infringe giving Berwick a chance to clear up field.

There was no more scoring until 5 minutes from full time when Lewis Mallin went over for his second try.

Considering this was the first game in four weeks and the excesses of the Christmas period it was a good display and the coaches know what to work on for the next few weeks.

From the kick off PSA were putting Peebles under enormous pressure. Tight forward play was starving the Peebles forwards of any possession and after 8 minutes camped in the Peebles 22, Steven Mabon dived over for the first score.

PSA continued the relentless pressure on the Peebles try line, but attack after attack was being thwarted by the Peebles defence. PSA's next score came from a penalty awarded on the halfway line, up stepped Greg Anderson who slotted the kick with plenty to spare, five minutes later he slotted another slightly easier kick. It was all PSA but try as they might, Peebles managed to keep PSA out. The quality of rugby on show was of the highest standard, considering the match was being played in torrential rain.

On 24 minutes another attack was started deep in the Peebles half, this time the ball went the hands of the 3/4 line for Graeme Lothian to dive over in the corner for a try.

Half time PSA 16 – Peebles Colts 0.

As often happens, the side behind at half time always seem to come out the hungrier and this was the case. For 10 minutes PSA had to defend their try line, but they did and went up field and again the ball was spread wide for Greg Anderson to power over, he also converted his try.

The PSA coaches started to bring on replacements, and the fresh legs seemed to work: another great move by the back division was held up short and from the resultant ruck Steven Mabon dived over for his second try.

This put the PSA 28 points to 0 in front.

Peebles were determined not leave Burnfoot without scoring some points, and from a good forward drive they eventually drove over for a try.

Final Score Hawick PSA 28 – Peebles Colts 7

Another good win for PSA, again it was a squad effort, the younger boys are now performing to the same level as the older more experienced boys and this bodes well for the future.

From the kick off the Wanderers were on the attack and camped in the PSA half. They were dominating the lineout and putting pressure on the PSA scrum making it almost impossible to get good possession to clear the ball into the Wanderers half out of danger. After 12 minutes PSA had a defensive scrum in their 22, Wanderers took a strike against the head and spread the ball wide and went over for the first try.

The PSA boys were struggling to compete against a bigger Wanderers pack, any lapse in concentration saw the Wands break up field. But the PSA were sticking to their task and putting in the tackles trying to frustrate the Wanderers. On one such occasion PSA were awarded a penalty and Greg Anderson elected to kick at goal, it was a little ambitious, but if it missed hopefully they would regain field position in the Wanderers 22, the kick was a great effort but short, good chasing forced the Wanders to infringe this time the kick went between the posts. PSA 3 – Wanderers 7.

PSA were still struggling to exert any pressure on the Wanderers pack, but they were giving everything they had and were starting to force mistakes from the Wanderers, but every time the PSA got into the Wands half the attack was snuffed out. The game was becoming very scrappy and neither try line was being threatened, the only other score was a penalty from the Wanderers.

Half time PSA 3 – Wanderers 10

At halftime the PSA were still in with a chance, it was a bitterly cold day and as the game went on handling would become more difficult and to capitalise on mistakes might be the only way to score. PSA started the second half fired up and put the Wanderers on the back foot, but the Wanderers always seemed to be able to slow down PSA position at the crucial moment. You might say against the run of play the Wands scored their second try, it was a poor score to concede, a couple of missed tackles and the try was scored, the conversion was put over as well. PSA now 3 – 17 behind.

The PSA were still trying to get a try back, but the Wanderers defence was solid and PSA were resorting to pick and drive over using the forwards, were spreading the ball wide might have been the better option, but the commitment of the PSA could not be questioned. There was one more score to come again it was for the Wanderers, a mistake in the PSA "in goal" area allowed the Wanderers to touch down for their third try, the game petered out after that.

Final Score Hawick PSA 3 - Hawick Wanderers 22.

The match was closer than the score suggest, but PSA have to be more clinical when scoring opportunities arise, they must come away with points. But take nothing away from Hawick Wanderers they deserved they victory. For most of the game they had the upper hand in the forward exchanges and the back division, given the conditions were far sharper and always threatened with ball in hand.

PSA were to play the first half into a strong wind, which was going to make things difficult. From the kick off Tynedale were camped in the PSA 22. The Hawick lads were defending very well but they could not get any distance on their clearance kicks and after 14 minutes still in the PSA 22, Tynedale stole a strike against the head and broke from the scrum to touch down between the posts.

Tynedale were making the most of the elements, but the PSA boys were panicking and tending to kick possession away, but on one of their rare visits to the Tynedale half PSA were awarded a penalty in a kickable position, up stepped Greg Anderson who slotted the three points.

Unfortunately this was a rare visit to the Tyndale half and soon after Tynedale went over for another try, some very slack PSA tackling allowed Tyndale to score, the try was converted.

Tynedale Colts 14 – PSA 3.

Some brave PSA tackling managed to keep Tynedale from scoring any more points before half time.

The PSA coaches obviously said the right things at half time, because the PSA lads started the second half all guns blazing. It was now PSA#039;s turn to spend time in the Tynedale 22 and after 10 minutes of almost constant pressure Sean Muir drove over for a try, the conversion was added, it was now game on.

Now using the elements the PSA started to kick into space turning the Tynedale defence this was complemented by both wingers chasing down every kick and pressurising their opponents into silly mistakes. Midway through the second half a rare Tynedale attack broke down in the PSA half the ball was hacked through and PSA lads were first to the breakdown, Lewis Mallin picked up and sprinted to the line for a try to put PSA in front for the first time, the conversion was added.

It was now all PSA and the Tynedale lads were losing their discipline giving away penalty after penalty which made things a lot easier for the PSA. Another try was almost inevitable, and after pounding the line for what seemed like an eternity Terry Sleet dived over. The conversion was added to make the score Tynedale Colts 14 – Hawick PSA 24. There was no more scoring and PSA claimed a good victory, Tynedale is not an easy place to come away with a win.

If PSA want to move on from here they have to start playing with the same intensity they did in the second half but from the kick off, other teams would have been out of sight by half time. But there are lots of plusses. The performance on both wingers in chasing every kick, even lost causes, contributed greatly to the victory, Graeme Lothian had his best game in PSA colours.

It was a good performance but hopefully there is better to come yet.

From the kick off Melrose were on the attack and almost immediately PSA were penalised, PSA 0 – Wasps 3. PSA rallied and started to contest the breakdown and were battling for every ball. The Hawick boys were starting to get the upper hand, but Melrose were very good at turning over PSA ball. On one such occasion Melrose cleared their lines and on a rare visit into the PSA 22 they came away with a try, against the run of play, it was not converted.

The PSA forwards were working extremely well as an eight picking and driving to good effect, but as soon as the ball was released to the backs the Melrose back row were able to turn over possession. The forward exchanges were full blooded, no quarter being given. On 15 minutes Melrose had possession the PSA 22, but ferocious driving from the PSA forwards drove them back twenty metres, but when the ball was released to the backs, disaster Melrose intercepted the pass and were in under the posts, for a 15 – 0 lead.

PSA heads did not go down and the PSA pack continued to drive their opponents back at every opportunity and were now in control and camped in the Melrose half, but Melrose were defending well and it felt as if a PSA score would never come. But inch by inch the PSA forwards moved closer the Melrose line and eventually Sean Muir drove over for a try, Rory Anderson converted PSA 7 – Melrose 15. It was now all PSA another score was almost inevitable, and on the stroke of half time Stuart Renwick dived over to make the score PSA 12 – Melrose Wasps 15.

Whatever the Melrose coaches said at halftime worked because they came out for the second half all guns blazing. PSA were now having to defend, making silly mistakes, the game had become very scrappy and this was suiting Melrose, they wanted to keep play away from the PSA forwards so the spread the ball wide at every chance they got, this play lead to another Melrose try.

This woke the PSA up and the forwards started to get their aggression back and started to trundle up towards the Wasps' try line, but as soon as the forwards got with five metres of the line they would infringe. This allowed Melrose to clear their line and PSA would have to start again. The only reward for all this effort was a penalty converted by Rory Anderson.

PSA threw everything at Melrose but the winning score would not come and the game petered out, Hawick PSA 15 – Melrose Wasp 20.

This was a great effort for the PSA; they were beaten by a good Melrose Wasps side who will be very relieved to come away from Burnfoot with a victory.

PSA started the game well and had Berwick under pressure in the loose and set piece taking the first scrum against the head. But the Berwick defence was holding out. After 10 minutes of constant PSA pressure S Renwick chose a great running line to cut through the Berwick defence and ran in under the post for the first try.

Berwick did not let there heads go down and continued to battle hard but were finding it very difficult to compete with the Hawick boys and after 23 min G Anderson burst through some weak tackles to score PSA’s second try. 12 – 0.

PSA were now in complete control and next on the score sheet was L.Mallin after some good work from L.Farmer. Quick tries from S. Mabon and R. Anderson made the half time score

Berwick Colts 0 – Hawick PSA 31

The PSA travelled to Berwick with a large squad and during the half time interval the coaches made several changes. It took a few minutes for the new boys to settle, but the scores did come. Next to score was S.Peffers for a well taken try, L.Mallin from a kick and chase scored his second try and from a great handling move G.Lothian made the score Berwick 0 – PSA 50. From the restart Berwick made a rare incursion into the PSA “22” and barged over for a consolation try. This just spurred the Burnfoot lads on and tries from T.Skeet, who was unlucky not to score another when the referee was unsighted, and two well taken score from young S.Graham made the final score.

Berwick Colts 5 – Hawick PSA 68

The score might suggest this was a mismatch, but a very young Berwick team stuck to their task, and made PSA work for their scores. Normally not much would have been gained from victory by such a margin, but The PSA coaches were delighted to have the opportunity to play as many of the younger boys in the second half once the game was won. In all PSA were able to call on 28 players.

There will be much harder games over the next few weeks but hopefully the PSA boys can take some confidence into the next few games.

From the start PSA had the upper hand and were camped in the Kelso half, but the same old problems were appearing, lack of composure at key moments and the ball was turned over. Deja vu we thought, Kelso's first visit to the PSA half resulted in a penalty being awarded to Kelso, which was kicked. 2 minutes later they were awarded another, PSA were 6 points behind having most of the play and territory.The Hawick lads didn't panic and continued to dominate possession, this was soon rewarded with a try, PSA secured good possession and S. Mabon romped over for a touchdown, the conversion was added, PSA 7 Kelso 6.

The lead was short lived, lack of concentration from the re-start and PSA was penalised; off side at a ruck – PSA 7 – Kelso 9.

Previous weeks PSA would have lost concentration and probably leaked more scores but this week they were far more focussed. From the re-start L Mallin pounced on a loose ball, fly-hacked through and N. Swanston won the race for the touchdown, PSA back in front.

This again was short lived as soon as Kelso got near to the PSA 22; they were justifiably awarded a penalty, which was converted. The score was now 12 points each. PSA continued to pressurise the Kelso try line but were thwarted.

Half time PSA 12 – Kelso Harlequins 12.

Playing with the elements at their backs PSA continued to dominate the game, camped in the Kelso half. PSA were still trying to force the final pass, but after 12 minutes of constant pressure in the Kelso half a score did come. S Mabon going over for his 2nd try, R. Anderson added the conversion.

This settled the Burnfoot lads who were now throwing the ball around confidently and after a flowing move G Lothian rounded the last defender to touchdown, 2 points were added.

PSA 26 - Kelso Quins 12.

From the re-start PSA mounted another attack on the Kelso line and G Anderson burst through the Kelso mid field defence for a well taken score, the kick was missed.

PSA now made a few changes as the game was won. Kelso now had a spell in the ascendancy and the PSA defence went to sleep resulting in a Kelso try. But the Burnfoot boys had to have the last say and G Anderson went over for his 2nd try this was the last play of the match.

Final Score Hawick PSA 38 – Kelso Harlequins 19.

This was a far better performance from Hawick PSA; they showed more composure when the match was turning against them, they didn't let their heads go down and the older more experienced boys led by example. There are still a few things for the coaches to work on, but is far easier to motivate the squad on the back of a victory.

The match kicked off, PSA had the wind at their backs, but they were soon behind to an opportunist try from Thistle, a missed tackle and the Jed boys were 5 points in front. Jed were dominating possession and territory, their stand off was pinning the Hawick boys in their half and PSA were struggling to make any impact in the Jed 22. Any possession the PSA did have was scrappy, they were finding it difficult to put more than 2 phases of play together before having to kick or turn the ball over. After 18 mins Jed scored again, a couple of missed tackles and Jed were in under the posts.

The Hawick lads were coming more into the game, but the usual errors were creeping in and lack of composure at the key moment meant that passes were being forced and spilled. Unlike Jed any mistake from PSA in the final third of the park resulted in a score for the Thistle, and they who were soon 17 points in front. This did spark a PSA revival and on the 30 min mark PSA were awarded a penalty, which was kicked to touch and from the resultant lineout, good hands from the backs sent Greg Anderson over for a try, Rory Anderson added the 2 points. There was no more scoring before half time, but only 10 points behind, the Burnfoot boys felt they were still in with a shout.

The 2nd half started with PSA in the ascendancy both wingers looking lively. The Burnfoot boys spent most of the first twenty minutes of the 2nd period camped in the Jed Thistle half, but they were still turning the ball over at key moments. Then on the 20 min mark disaster struck, a Jed breakout resulted in another try for Thistle. This took the score to 24 – 7 in favour of Jed – game over. No matter how hard the Hawick lads tried the scoring pass was not there, a deserved win for Jed who in the areas that mattered were the better team.

As for Hawick PSA another defeat. Positives still without key players who are injured and their young deputies are giving everything that is asked of them against far more experienced opponents.

Negatives - too many mistakes, losing ball at the breakdown, missing tackles, conceding cheap scores. All the senior players have to stand up and be counted not just one or two, if this happens Hawick PSA's season might just turnaround.

The match was played on the Peebles High School pitch, and the driving rain was going dictate how the game would be played.

PSA started the game playing up the slope, and from the kick off the Burnfoot boys started to control the game. It was not a day for wide expansive rugby but for forward control and patience in the back line. PSA were controlling everything in mid-field but as soon as they entered the Peebles 22 they lost their composure and fumbled passes or lost key attacking lineouts. Although PSA were making heavy weather of scoring points Peebles were not creating much in attack and most of the play was in their half. It took until the stroke of half time before the first points were put on the board, after continued pressure on the Peebles 22, PSA were awarded a penalty, up stepped Rory Anderson to calmly claim 3 points.

Half Time Peebles Colts 0 – Hawick PSA 3.

From the restart PSA were now playing down the slope and hopefully would use this to their advantage. Again the Burnfoot boys were camped in the Peebles half and after 5 minutes of constant pressure Terry Skeet barged over to score his 1st try for the PSA.

Peebles were not creating many opportunities, but any they did, the PSA defence stood firm. The constant rain was making the ball very difficult to handle so both sides were not able to create many opportunities to score, it was a forward battle and both packs were cancelling each other out.

But on 30 minutes the Hawick lads moved the ball wide and Greg Anderson spotted a gap and went through to score PSA's 2nd try, that was game over.

Final Score Peebles Colts 0 – Hawick PSA 15.

From the kick off Selkirk had the early pressure, but the PSA defence was solid and thwarted any threat. But after 16 minutes Selkirk scored, from a driven line out in the PSA 22, they came away with a try, the conversion was missed. This was the wake up call for the Burnfoot boys and during the next 10 minutes they were on the attack and with a bit more composure could have had two scores of their own. But the score remained PSA 0 – Selkirk YC 5 until the break.

Selkirk again started the 2nd half strongly and went over for 2 quick scores to take the score to PSA 0 – Selkirk 19, the game was beyond PSA now and although the Hawick boys never gave up Selkirk scored a further 2 times to take the final score to PSA 0 – YC 31.

The final score does not do the PSA justice. There were a number of boys making only their 1st or 2nd appearance in a PSA jersey, this was a big ask for these boys and they did not let their side down, they were courageous in the tackle and never scared to take the ball forward. Of these boys Sean Muir deserves a special mention.

The boys must pick themselves up and look to the next game, listen to their coaches and give their all on the field and victories will come.

The game kicked off and the pattern of the game was established very quickly, Tynedale's big pack was dominating possession, putting pressure on the PSA set piece. PSA were struggling to gain any good ball from scrum or lineout. Although PSA were playing rugby behind a struggling pack they were the first to put points on the board. Rory Anderson slotting over a Penalty after 18 min.

Tynedale had all the possession, but the Hawick lads were tackling everything that moved, Tynedale were becoming impatient and started to lose their composure, infringing at rucks and arguing with the referee. This was all helping the PSA cause, and on one of their rare visits into the Tynedale 22 a forward drive was held up and at the resultant scrum after repeated requests from the referee, asking Tynedale to hold their push PSA were awarded a Penalty try.

After this there was lots of niggle between all the players on the pitch and the referee had to speak to both captains on more than one occasion. This was spoiling the game, and resulted in no more scoring before half time.

Half time: PSA 10 – Tynedale Colts Nil.

The 2nd half began how the 1st half ended, Tynedale were in control of the match but dogged PSA defence was keeping them from crossing the Hawick boys line. But after 12 min, constant pressure on the PSA line resulted in a Tynedale try, it was unconverted.

The match continued to be a scrappy affair and the big Tynedale pack was tiring, this allowed PSA back into the game. 20 min into the second half Tynedale were encamped on the PSA 22, but good PSA defence resulted in Tynedale spilling the ball. Greg Anderson pounced on the loose ball and ran 80 metres to touch down between the posts, the try was converted.

PSA 17, Tynedale 5.

Both teams tried to mount attacks but there were too many mistakes, there was no more scoring until the last play of the game when Tynedale squeezed over in the corner to make the final score Hawick PSA 17 – Tynedale Colts 12.

PSA will play better and lose games, but this will give the boys confidence for the weeks ahead.

PSA had mastered the conditions better and using the wind, were able to pin Gala in their 22. The first score came after 14 minutes when Gala infringed at a ruck just inside their 22. Greg Anderson stepped up and calmly converted the penalty.

Things got even better after a kick through: the PSA backs put the Gala defence under pressure, and Greg Anderson was there to pounce on a loose ball to score the first try of the match.

At this point the Hawick boys were all over Gala – pinning them in the corners and forcing them to scramble clear to touch, but the Gala line remained intact. Nearing half time PSA were creating chances but the final pass was letting them down, such was Gala's desperate defence that they lost a player to the Sin Bin just before half time.

Half Time Hawick PSA 8, Gala Wanderers 0.

Was an 8-point lead going to be enough? The second half kicked off and straight away PSA were being pinned into their 22, G.Hunter the Gala Stand Off was showing how to use the elements to his advantage, and after 4 minutes Gala were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, which was duly converted.

Gala were starting to dominate territory and the set piece, the PSA boys were defending as if their lives depended on it. On one of the few times the PSA were able to escape from their half, Gala were penalised and through indiscipline were marched 30 metres up-field which gave the PSA an opportunity to extend their lead, the kick went over, PSA were back to 8 points in front. This was to be short lived, PSA were scrambling back to defend the try line and from a scrum near the Hawick line the Gala number 8 picked up and raced over, the try was coverted and the PSA lead was now only 1 point. Such was the pressure on the PSA line another score was inevitable, PSA struggled to clear in the 22 and Gala squeezed over for a try. They made sure of victory with a further penalty.

Final Score Gala Wanderers 20 – Hawick PSA 11

It was the typical "game of 2 halves" and Gala's more experienced set of halfbacks played the conditions better. For the PSA there are a great deal of positives to take from the game, forwards and backs gave their all. There were a number of outstanding performances which on another day would have led to a PSA victory.

From the kick off PSA were on the attack, and the first try came after 2 minutes. Good work from the forwards saw G. Lothian run over for the first of his 4 tries.

After 10 minutes PSA were already 3 tries in front. As this was a development match it was the correct time to make changes. A number of boys were brought on for their PSA debuts and there were a few positional changes. During this period Duns came into the game and they scored a try of their own, driving over close to the line. As the PSA settled after all the changes, normal service was resumed and at half time, PSA led 39 – 5.

As Duns tired in the second period, PSA scored a further 5 times to make the final score 68 points to 5.

It was a very useful exercise for both teams. Duns now know the level of rugby they need to achieve to become competitive, they are a young side who will only improve the more matches they play.

As for the PSA, there were some encouraging signs for the league campaign, the established players looked sharp and the boys making their debut did not look out of place among the older boys. Let's hope that this level of performance can be carried forward into the first league game next Saturday.